EU Eyes Lagos-Ikorodu-Ajaokuta Waterway Investment To Ease Pressure On Roads
EU Eyes Lagos-Ikorodu-Ajaokuta Waterway Investment to Ease Pressure On Roads
The European Union (EU) has expressed interest in investing in a water transportation project linking Lagos and Ikorodu to Ajaokuta in Kogi State, as part of efforts to promote inland waterway transportation and reduce pressure on Nigeria’s road infrastructure.
The proposed investment was disclosed when an EU delegation led by Mr. Massimo De Luca visited the Kogi State Government House in Lokoja.
The delegation was received on behalf of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Joel Salifu, who welcomed the initiative and assured the investors of the state government’s readiness to support credible investments capable of contributing to the state’s economic development.
De Luca said the proposed waterway project was aimed at improving the movement of bulk goods through Nigeria’s inland waterways, thereby reducing congestion and easing the strain on the country’s road network.
He explained that the initiative would involve SeaLink and other local and international financial partners, including the Nigerian Export-Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) and European financial institutions.
According to him, additional major companies could also participate in the project as the initiative expands and attracts more investment.
As part of the proposed investment, the EU delegation requested 50 hectares of land in Kogi State, with the necessary Certificate of Occupancy, to serve as an operational base for the project.
Responding, Salifu said the state government would give the proposal the necessary consideration, stressing that Kogi remained open to genuine investors whose projects could stimulate economic growth, create opportunities and contribute to the development of the state.
The Deputy Governor, however, explained that the land request would be subjected to the appropriate government procedures, including consideration by the Kogi State Economic Council, before a final decision could be reached.
Salifu further assured the delegation that he would present the request to Governor Ododo for consideration and that the state government would communicate its official position after the necessary consultations.
The proposed water transportation link is expected to strengthen the use of inland waterways for the movement of goods while providing an alternative to road transportation and potentially reducing the pressure on major highways.
